Hot Topic: Phish summer tour route raises questions

Phish dropped details about the first leg of its 2011 summer tour on Wednesday, releasing 18 dates that circle tightly across the East Coast. While at first disconcerting to not see any Colorado dates, the lack of any shows west of Cincinnati promises a second leg that will swing through the West.

And while the Vermont quartet noted that “additional summer announcements will be coming,” Wednesday’s announcement nixed any plans for late-year shows, a rare fall break for the traveling troupe. And sadly no Halloween, especially for those still spinning from the costumed mayhem of last year’s outstanding “Waiting for Columbus” hoedown in Atlantic City. Those midsummer shows won’t likely drop until tickets begin selling for the May 27-thru-June 19 first leg.

Anticipation should be high for more Colorado love, considering Phish has thrown down nine shows here in the last two years. I think they like it here. (Big Red brings his acoustic and horn-backed Trey Anastasio Band show to the Ogden for two shows next week.) And the lack of any Left Coast dates in the first leg stokes the flames for a solid late summer tour that may (should) include The Gorge in Washington and maybe even –- fingers crossed — a Vegas stand.

An interesting tidbit revealed for those who went ahead and placed their online requests (really more like pleas) for the first leg shows: the band has lowered ticket prices to $45 for lawn seats at those East Coast sheds they consistently sell out. And all those tickets still include a free MP3 download of the show and ticketbuyers for the June 8 show at Darien Center, NY get free admission that day to the next door theme park, which will be open just for phans.